Kilroy Was Here - resurrecting a GL1000

[DJ]

Here's LarryG's take on a fairing:



This is a Honda 1100 fairing, I think, cut down along the backside and handlebar mounted. I always thought it looked nice.

Or maybe it's just that I like red bikes?

YIKES!

I am not going for that look.

[heraldhamster]

... He said the bike ran not long ago, but the week-old Dyna ign died...

ahh, the old "running when parked" routine. yep, heard that one.

Dyna died? maybe. but maybe not. ya might just check the fuse on the 12V source he wired it to. IF there's a fuse. if no fuse, BAD PO, no biscuit.

[bum]

Ok, here's my 2 cents. I hate the vetter fairing on my 78 wing, but when I walk away from it, and I see the large bug strikes (that did"nt hit me) I really appreciate it. Also the storage , for gloves/bottles of water/armament etc. And for how it looks, If you like it ,well.you know,everybody has opinions!!!!!!!!!! As long as it makes you happy! 8)

[sunnbobb]

looks like that fairing is set up to run a small clear shield above it. you could keep the bars and still lower the fairing.

[DJ]

looks like that fairing is set up to run a small clear shield above it. you could keep the bars and still lower the fairing.

I was just urethane clearcoating a tank in the shop. I came in for a break between coats, checked my mail...NEW POSTS.



I haven't yet measured the height I want for the clear part of the windshield yet.
I will have it just high enough to keep from getting a direct hit from bugs, but not so short I have to duck down.
The exact measurement will have to come after I find the final mounting location.
Even though some of the shorties look cool (many don't), I still prefer a lack of bugs in the face.

Yes indeed, that fairing will have a windshield before I take a trip with it. I think I may have to take a common replacement, trim it, and possibly warm it up for a re-curve to make it fit. It really doesn't look far off from a replacement Vetter shield, but I haven't actually fitted one yet.

[DJ]

Here is a picture of another set of wheels I have.
I have no idea how to tell if they are for a GL1000
I think they may be from a 1978 parts bike because some 1978 parts came with my bike, but without actually taking apart my bike I don't know how to tell.

Did some GL1000's come with wheels like these?



These look quite weathered, but they should be restorable.
Can I use these on a 1977 if it does turn out that these are from a 78?

Back when wire wheels were on nearly everything and one-piece wheels were a new thing, I preferred the reliability and looks of an aluminum "mag" wheel.
Now that everything is "mag wheel" style, I now seem to have a taste for the cool wire wheels.
If the wires on the bike end up not being true, these could save the project.

Thanks everyone for all the help and suggestions.




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[mooseheadm5]

Those are junk. Send them to me. I won't charge you much for storing them



Those are hard to come by. Robin has a set of them. They are definitely aftermarket. If they are set up for a 78, they are not a direct fit to a 77, but it can be done. Judging by the 6 bolt rotors, though, they are a direct fit to your 77, so enjoy.

[Whiskerfish]

The 6 Bolt pattern on those brake disc's would indicate that those are not from a 78-79 front end but they could be from a 75-77. The rims are aftermarket Lesters.

[sunnbobb]

Whisker, are those "stars" wheels? Nice, would like to find a set myself.

[Whiskerfish]

Whisker, are those "stars" wheels? Nice, would like to find a set myself.

hmmmmmm.

Well they are not a standard Lester and they are also not what most folks refer to as the Star wheels??? Maybe Rodger or one of the other long time owners can shed some light?

[DJ]

Thanks for the info on the wheels.
Now that I know they are useful for my bike, I will clean them up and have them on standby in case the wire wheels get damaged or do not run straight.



I haven't had a chance to air-test the engine yet. When I looked through my toolbox and the case where I store my compression tester and vac gauge, I couldn't find the air fittings I knew I had.
I can't remember who I loaned them to.

I quickly made these for less than $10






I know- I only need the short one, but the anti-foulers came in a two-pack, so I thought I would have an extra one for those cars that have recessed plug locations.

These took only a few minutes to screw together.


I had a few moments to tweak the carbs on the Suzuki this morning. I took the seat off. While the seat was off I tried an experiment.
I laid a piece of foam rubber on the bike where the seat used to be, and sat on that.
WOW. I had no idea that sitting just a few inches lower would change the feel of the bike so much. I think that this will be an area of interesting experiments on the Wing just as soon as I get it on the road.
I didn't know the small change would make the bike so completely different.
I can't wait to experiment with it.


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[DJ]

The great thing about this progress report on my GL1000 restoration is that there is no serious reverse progress.

The storm (Inland Hurricane, what kind of name is that?) which left us without power for a week and without phone + internet for 10 days, despite all the damage and a number of crushed houses, has also left behind a much larger number of near-misses.

No damage to the bikes, even though the house, the garage, and more than 99% of all the houses in four counties (other counties were also affected) have damage.

The oak tree in the very first pic in this thread, where my bikes posed for pictures, is now a large hole in the ground. The tree took out my neighbor's house and half the width of my driveway.

Ten days later I am still chainsawing my way to the back of my house to see what boards are broken.
Well - The first five days I was on Red Cross Disaster Action Team duty, so I got a late start working on my own place.
Being among the first-on-the-scene in disaster zones lets me see everything before anyone gets around to cleaning things up.
It seems that everyone has their own near-miss miracle-stories to tell.


myself- Other than a crushed speed boat, smashed fence, a now-three-foot-high shed, and tarps over a few broken boards, the bikes and I came out fine. The kids were away at school taking final exams, so they missed the excitement.

There will be a long delay in the bike fixup process as I switch over to fixing other things that are almost as important as the bike.

Other than losing one saddlebag that was smashed to smithereens, and two nearly-new but crushed Studebaker Hawk doors I kept as spares, I haven't really lost anything but a few roof pieces, a boat, and a shed.
I consider myself very very lucky.

Hopefully in a few weeks I can get back on track with the bike project, but it will have to be done with little or no funds due to other priorities.

[Roady]

Oh man! What a mess. I had no idea is was that bad for y'all.

Do you still plan on making it to Randakk's Rally in September?

Anything I can do to help?

[DJ]

Thanks for the offer. Unless you have a really good running engine for free, or a high paying job for me that will allow me time off when I need, then there may not be much you can do. Unless ..... you own a roofing company that offers great discounts for fellow bike owners....
just wishful thinking.....


I'll just be running like crazy, but that's to be expected.
Thanks

[Old Fogey]

Hey DJ,

Don't now how I missed it earlier but just caught up with your May posts on the disaster.

Boy! What a mess! Just glad no-one was hurt.

Hows the recovery going?